Trump Proposes U.S. Control Over Ukraine’s Nuclear Plants as Part of Ceasefire Deal

Trump Proposes U.S. Control Over Ukraine’s Nuclear Plants as Part of Ceasefire Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States assume operational control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as part of a broader ceasefire agreement aimed at de-escalating the conflict with Russia.

During a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, Trump suggested that U.S. management—or even ownership—of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities would help safeguard the country’s energy infrastructure. Currently, these plants supply approximately two-thirds of Ukraine’s electricity.

“The United States could be very helpful in ensuring these plants continue to operate safely,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated. “If the U.S. took control, it would provide the best protection for Ukraine’s energy needs.”

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright echoed Trump’s sentiment, emphasizing American expertise in nuclear energy. “If managing these plants helps bring peace, we are fully capable of taking on that responsibility,” he said. However, he clarified that such an arrangement would not necessitate the deployment of U.S. troops on the ground.

The proposal primarily focuses on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest reactor, currently under Russian occupation. The plant has been a key point in ceasefire discussions, with its status potentially serving as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Moscow.

Zelensky acknowledged discussions about the Zaporizhzhia plant but did not confirm plans for broader U.S. control over Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector. The Ukrainian president also requested additional air defense systems to protect key infrastructure, a request Trump agreed to address with European allies.

Trump’s call with Zelensky followed a separate 1.5-hour conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Putin reportedly agreed to a temporary 30-day halt on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Further discussions on the ceasefire proposal, including potential U.S. oversight of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, are set to take place this weekend in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has confirmed that additional U.S.-Russia negotiations will be held in Jeddah, though Ukraine’s participation remains uncertain.

The proposed nuclear plant deal comes alongside earlier discussions about U.S. access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, a proposal currently on hold until a ceasefire agreement is reached.